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Masters Degree in Performing Arts
In the UK there are over 200 Performing Arts MA degree programs spread across the country, while hundreds of registered European institutions also offer masters in performing arts courses that are taught in English, often out of the humanities department.
A performing arts course will draw from drama, dance, music and video technology in order to provide hands-on training combined with valuable theory that can help performers to succeed in their chosen industry.
In a similar way to a masters degree in visual arts, one in performing arts will typically take one year to complete if studied on a full-time basis, while part-time courses will often take two years to complete.
All courses will require in-person attendance, however it may be possible to take a few of the modules via online learning.
Find postgraduate programs in PERFORMING ARTSModules covered in a performing arts masters
A masters degree in performing arts provides students with the framework required to stretch and explore their own creativity alongside an expert teaching team.
The exact course content and modules covered will depend on the university and the course chosen. Students can often tailor-make their own courses and pick optional modules that are of interest.
Some examples of showing the diverse range of masters degree in performing arts courses include Theatre and Performance MA at Queen Mary University of London; Performance and Digital Media MA at Buckinghamshire New University; Choreography MFA at the University of Roehampton; and Songwriting and Performance MA at the University of South Wales.
While all courses differ from one another in terms of content covered, many full-time masters degrees have approximately five or six modules which are taken over the course of one year. These modules cover the history and cultural implications of the performance type, which is being studied, as well as approaches to performance and an in-depth exploration of performance styles.
Students will be required to work on a solo project performance piece which will be showcased at the end of the course. A journal article and possible conference paper is required by some institutions in order to successfully complete the course.
Almost all performing arts masters degrees will include a module which focuses on arts management in context. This module teaches students important skills relating to self-management and promotion, budgeting and financial control, cultural policy, along with marketing theory and practice. Not only will this module help to make graduates increasingly attractive to prospective employers, but it will also teach them important life skills which are absolutely essential for succeeding within the industry.
After completion of the core fundamentals of the course, students will have the opportunity to choose their specialist areas of study and take on optional modules for additional credits which can be used toward the masters degree program.
Find postgraduate programs in DRAMAPerforming arts masters degrees
The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London offers an excellent range of postgraduate programs in this field
Some of the other currently available programs you may wish to explore include:
MFA Theatre Directing at Birkbeck, University of London – includes a three-month secondment to a drama school, a three-to-six-month secondment with a theatre company and introduces students to a wide range of methodologies and approaches.
MA Collaborative Performance Making at Guildhall School of Music & Drama – focused on collaboration and process-based learning, this one-year masters program sees students form an ensemble at the start of the course in order to produce performances.
MA Puppetry Design and Construction at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – this full time, two-year course offers students a hands-on production role, alongside workshops and specialist tuition.
MA by Research (Drama, Theatre and Dance) at Royal Holloway, University of London – a full-time, one-year study combines in-depth studies taught by international experts with a 25,000-word dissertation allowing students to further explore their interests.
Qualifications required for an MA in performing arts
Students wanting to study a masters degree in performing arts course will need to hold a bachelors degree, preferably in a performance-related field such as theatre, visual design, music studies, dance or maybe even fine art. Some universities will also require the student to showcase their talents through a live or recorded audition.
Additional requirements, such as an in-person interview, a letter of recommendation, a portfolio of work and a goal statement, may also be required by some institutions.
International students whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate competence in speaking, reading and writing English, sometimes through taking an IELTS test.
Minimum education prerequisites are set by each institution and occasionally other qualifications and special exceptions may be made for mature students or for students with a specialist background in performing arts.
Performing arts student case studies
Emily from Australia said that completing her Performing Arts MA gave her the opportunity to study a range of styles while also growing as a performer more than she could have possibly imagined.
Renelle who completed a dance-based MA in Performing Arts, said that the course has constantly challenged her dance skills and helped to develop her as a strong confident artist who is looking forward to what the future holds.
Will from England loved the community feel of his masters degree course, and he has since applied the knowledge he learnt in the course to become a successful session musician.
Career opportunities in the performing arts
A masters degree in performing arts will allow students to develop creative skills and further their studies in a more specialist field. The practical management aspect of the course will also prepare students for the marketing, promotion and self-management aspect of the business which can help to drastically increase chances of success within this notoriously competitive industry.
This qualification can lead to a range of careers, including:
- Actor
- Dancer
- Singer
- Songwriter
- Artist manager
- Impersonator
- Choreographer
- Playwright
- Broadcast presenter
- Theatre director
- Stage manager
- Musician
Graduates can also take on teaching roles relating to the performing arts fields.
Opportunities further expand in digital performance, VR theatre, arts therapy and cultural policy amid post-pandemic recovery; hybrid skills boost employability.
After successful completion of a masters degree in performing arts, students can choose to further their studies by enrolling on a PhD program in performing arts.
Find postgraduate programs in PERFORMING ARTS